Vitamin A, which plays an important role in human health, can be stored in the body like other fat-soluble vitamins. It can be said that vitamin A deficiency in the body is less than water-soluble vitamins. Following diets low in vitamin A for long periods of time can pose a risk. If foods containing vitamin A are consumed less, various diseases may occur. In such cases, vitamin A must be taken through food in order to maintain health. In addition, thanks to vitamin supplements, vitamin A can be taken into the body and brought to normal levels. For this, it is necessary to go through a doctor’s control.
What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A deficiency is less common as it is fat soluble and can be stored in the liver. Vitamin A, which has a colorless and long chain structure, has five double bonds. It is also called retinol. Vitamin A has different isomeric forms due to its double bonds. The most common form of vitamin A in nature is A1 in freshwater fish and A2 in mammals and saltwater fish. The need for vitamin A varies in growth, development, pregnancy, breastfeeding and various diseases.
What does vitamin A do?
Vitamin A performs numerous functions in the body. It has been known as an ophthalmologist since the past, especially thanks to its positive effects on eye health. The benefits of vitamin A are endless. The most common known positive effects of vitamin A and the benefits of vitamin A are as follows:
- It protects from night blindness and aging-related vision problems.
- Vitamin A converts visible light into an electrical signal and is responsible for transmitting it to the brain.
- It supports the immune system, and vitamin A intake should be taken care of to keep it strong.
- It helps protect from cancer.
- Together with vitamin A, vitamin C and E, it creates an antioxidant effect.
- It reduces the risk of cancer in cells and reduces the risk of developing cancer diseases.
- It is supportive in preventing skin diseases.
- Vitamin A is responsible for maintaining epithelial tissue health.
- It helps to prevent dryness of the skin and prevent acne formation.
- If enough vitamin A is taken with a balanced diet, it is possible to prevent skin diseases.
- For the healthy development of bones, their strong and healthy structure must be maintained, and vitamin A also supports the improvement of bone health.
- Vitamin A taken in addition to calcium and vitamin D significantly reduces the susceptibility to bone fractures.
- It positively affects reproductive health.
- Vitamin A is needed for the production of healthy reproductive cells in men and women.
- During pregnancy, adequate intake of vitamin A is necessary for the healthy division of the embryo and its growth and development.
- It is effective in protecting eyesight.
- Vitamin A is an indispensable supporter of a healthy immune system.
It is important to eliminate vitamin deficiency, but unnecessary vitamin supplements should not be used without a doctor’s recommendation. Otherwise, it should be noted that serious damages may be encountered. So, which foods contain vitamin A?
What’s in vitamin A?
Vitamin A is present in various amounts in many foods of animal and vegetable origin. Cereals, bread, red and white meat are among the most important sources of vitamin A. Offal, fish and seafood, milk and dairy products, especially orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are foods rich in vitamin A. We can list the foods richest in vitamin A as follows:
- Carrot
- Tomatoes
- Green pepper
- Red pepper
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Melon
- Mango
- Fish oil
- Liver
- Milk
- Cheese.
- cereals
- Red meat
- White meat
- Offal
- The fish
- sea products
- Citrus
It is possible to see vitamin A in many food groups. Thanks to the foods that will help meet your daily vitamin A needs, you will not have a vitamin A deficiency problem in your body. By consuming foods rich in vitamin A in your diet, you can protect your eye health, immune system, skin and joint health. Vitamin A foods such as milk, butter, egg yolk, pumpkin, sweet potato, cabbage, carrot, spinach, oatmeal, tomato, green peas should be consumed in the amounts the body needs.
What are the symptoms of vitamin A deficiency?
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to various health problems. Various problems such as night blindness, dryness of the skin and hair, acne and various skin problems, spots on the whites of the eyes, bone and joint diseases, and weakening of the immune system may occur. Since vitamin A is stored in the liver, its deficiency is rare. However, vitamin A deficiency can be seen in people with eating disorders and liver disorders. Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are not seen at first, but long-term unbalanced nutrition and insufficient absorption of vitamins cause the symptoms of vitamin A deficiency to occur. The symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are generally as follows:
- night blindness
- Defect of vision
- Dryness of hair and skin
- Skin problems such as acne
If you think you have these symptoms, you should go to a health institution and consult a doctor as soon as possible. If you have at least one of these symptoms, you should go to a doctor’s control for a correct treatment and application. Do not take any supplements or diet without doctor’s advice.